Nepal police arrests protest leader Durga Prasai

Kathmandu

Nepal Police on Friday confirmed the arrest of businessman Durga Prasai, who is accused of leading violent pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu on March 28. He was reportedly captured in India and brought to Nepal through the Kakarbhitta border. His bodyguard, Deepak Khadka, was also arrested.

According to police, Prasai and Khadka face charges of crimes against the state and organised violence. They were taken into custody by Nepal’s Special Bureau, which had sent three teams to India to locate the suspects.

Reports suggest Prasai may have surrendered to Indian police under safety assurances before being handed over to Nepal authorities at the border.

During the March 28 protests in Tinkune, chaos broke out as supporters of the monarchy clashed with security forces. Two people died, and hundreds were injured. Damage from the riots is estimated at Nepalese Rs 460 million.

The protests were led by the Nawaraj Subedi committee and supported by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which has also faced arrests. RPP Vice Chairman Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana were detained and remain under investigation.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli warned that anyone involved in the violence, including former King Gyanendra Shah, would face legal consequences. Police remain on alert as tensions continue in the capital.